TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 6,282 to a total of 115,507, the state health department reported Friday afternoon.&nbsp;

Coronavirus deaths were reported at 1,256, an increase of 41.

<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional numbers from the KDHE.

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 6,282 to a total of 115,507, the state health department reported Friday afternoon.&nbsp;Coronavirus deaths were reported at 1,256, an increase of 41.<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional numbers from the KDHE.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605290853960.png" alt="Friday Nov. 13, 2020 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Friday Nov. 13, 2020 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: Latest coronavirus numbers in Kansas

WICHITA—A nurse who took quick action to put out a fire in the hospital emergency room is being called a hero.

Just after 3:15 p.m. Thursday, a patient set fire to one of the emergency rooms at Wesley Medical Center,550 N Hillside Street in Wichita, according to hospital spokesman Dave Stewart.

The attending nurse who is a former firefighter was able to extinguish the flames almost immediately.

While the flames were isolated to a single room, the smoke and smell filled the emergency department. The staff acted quickly to move current ER patients to areas that were safe and smoke free.

Hospital staff then set up a temporary tent outside the Emergency Department to initially triage patients, then sending them to either the Children’s Hospital Emergency Department, or to the East wing of the Emergency Department.

A short time later, the Wichita Fire Department gave the all clear to reenter the area. To make sure the smoke and smell were completely gone, Wesley staff used fans to blow out any remaining smoke and smell.

As for the nurse who put out the fire, Wesley President and CEO Bill Voloch said, “He’s a hero who saved lives with his quick thinking and actions.”

The patient who set the fire is no longer at Wesley, according to Stewart.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605275233798.png" alt="Fire crews responded to the Wesley Emergency Room Thursday afternoon -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Fire crews responded to the Wesley Emergency Room Thursday afternoon -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA—A nurse who took quick action to put out a fire in the hospital emergency room is being called a hero.Just after 3:15 p.m. Thursday, a patient set fire to one of the emergency rooms at Wesley Medical Center,550 N Hillside Street in Wichita, according to hospital spokesman Dave Stewart.The attending nurse who is a former firefighter was able to extinguish the flames almost immediately.While the flames were isolated to a single room, the smoke and smell filled the emergency department. The staff acted quickly to move current ER patients to areas that were safe and smoke free.Hospital staff then set up a temporary tent outside the Emergency Department to initially triage patients, then sending them to either the Children’s Hospital Emergency Department, or to the East wing of the Emergency Department.A short time later, the Wichita Fire Department gave the all clear to reenter the area. To make sure the smoke and smell were completely gone, Wesley staff used fans to blow out any remaining smoke and smell.As for the nurse who put out the fire, Wesley President and CEO Bill Voloch said, “He’s a hero who saved lives with his quick thinking and actions.”The patient who set the fire is no longer at Wesley, according to Stewart.

Kansas nurse who put out ER fire called a hero 

WASHINGTON (AP) — Federal health officials have reached an agreement with pharmacies across the U.S. to distribute free&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/virus-outbreak">coronavirus</a>&nbsp;vaccines after they are approved and become available to the public.

The goal eventually is to make getting a COVID-19 vaccine like getting a flu shot.

Thursday’s agreement with major chain drug stores, grocery market pharmacies and other chains and networks covers about 3 in 5 pharmacies in all 50 states and U.S. territories such as Puerto Rico. It looks ahead to a time next spring when yet-to-be-approved vaccines will start to become available beyond priority groups such as health care workers and nursing home residents.

“The vast majority of Americans live within five miles of a pharmacy,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar, calling the agreement “a critical step toward making sure all Americans have access to safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines when they are available.”

The announcement comes as the nation is seeing its broadest virus surge of the pandemic and President Donald Trump has put the brakes on agency collaboration with President-elect Joe Biden’s transition team. New COVID-19 cases surpassed 127,000 on Wednesday, an increase of nearly 75% from two weeks ago. More than 60,000 Americans are hospitalized and deaths are rising.

A successful pandemic hand-off between the Trump and Biden administrations would rank as one of the biggest priorities for the nation. It’s on hold while Trump refuses to acknowledge Biden’s election victory, even though Biden has already appointed a coronavirus advisory panel to guide his transition team.

The list of pharmacies joining the distribution partnership include retail chains like Rite Aid and Walgreens, supermarket drug stores like Albertsons and Publix, and big box stores like Costco and Walmart.

The agreement follows a collaboration with CVS and Walgreens to deliver vaccines to nursing homes and administer shots.

Optimism about a vaccine has grown since&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pfizer-vaccine-effective-early-data-4f4ae2e3bad122d17742be22a2240ae8">pharmaceutical giant Pfizer</a>&nbsp;announced earlier this week preliminary data showed its vaccine to be 90% effective.

Pfizer has pursued its own vaccine research and development, while other manufacturers have been operating within a White House-backed effort called “Operation Warp Speed,” which aims to deliver vaccines as soon as they are approved.

But Pfizer also has ties with Operation Warp Speed, having signed a contract to deliver 100 million doses of its vaccine, with an option for the government to acquire 500 million more doses.

Officials say initial supplies will be limited, and distributed to states for them to allocate to priority groups such as health care workers and first responders.

Thursday’s agreement with pharmacies is intended to act as a bridge, facilitating vaccine distribution as supplies become more available but before there’s enough for the government to pull back and let the private market handle things.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595431898330.png" alt="Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar said, "this is a critical step toward making sure all Americans have access to safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines when they are available.”" />
 <figcaption>Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar said, "this is a critical step toward making sure all Americans have access to safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines when they are available.”</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Federal health officials have reached an agreement with pharmacies across the U.S. to distribute free&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/virus-outbreak">coronavirus</a>&nbsp;vaccines after they are approved and become available to the public.The goal eventually is to make getting a COVID-19 vaccine like getting a flu shot.Thursday’s agreement with major chain drug stores, grocery market pharmacies and other chains and networks covers about 3 in 5 pharmacies in all 50 states and U.S. territories such as Puerto Rico. It looks ahead to a time next spring when yet-to-be-approved vaccines will start to become available beyond priority groups such as health care workers and nursing home residents.“The vast majority of Americans live within five miles of a pharmacy,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar, calling the agreement “a critical step toward making sure all Americans have access to safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines when they are available.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602590971875.png" alt="Photo courtesy Johnson &amp; Johnson" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Johnson &amp; Johnson</figcaption>
 </figure>The announcement comes as the nation is seeing its broadest virus surge of the pandemic and President Donald Trump has put the brakes on agency collaboration with President-elect Joe Biden’s transition team. New COVID-19 cases surpassed 127,000 on Wednesday, an increase of nearly 75% from two weeks ago. More than 60,000 Americans are hospitalized and deaths are rising.A successful pandemic hand-off between the Trump and Biden administrations would rank as one of the biggest priorities for the nation. It’s on hold while Trump refuses to acknowledge Biden’s election victory, even though Biden has already appointed a coronavirus advisory panel to guide his transition team.The list of pharmacies joining the distribution partnership include retail chains like Rite Aid and Walgreens, supermarket drug stores like Albertsons and Publix, and big box stores like Costco and Walmart.The agreement follows a collaboration with CVS and Walgreens to deliver vaccines to nursing homes and administer shots.Optimism about a vaccine has grown since&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pfizer-vaccine-effective-early-data-4f4ae2e3bad122d17742be22a2240ae8">pharmaceutical giant Pfizer</a>&nbsp;announced earlier this week preliminary data showed its vaccine to be 90% effective.Pfizer has pursued its own vaccine research and development, while other manufacturers have been operating within a White House-backed effort called “Operation Warp Speed,” which aims to deliver vaccines as soon as they are approved.But Pfizer also has ties with Operation Warp Speed, having signed a contract to deliver 100 million doses of its vaccine, with an option for the government to acquire 500 million more doses.Officials say initial supplies will be limited, and distributed to states for them to allocate to priority groups such as health care workers and first responders.Thursday’s agreement with pharmacies is intended to act as a bridge, facilitating vaccine distribution as supplies become more available but before there’s enough for the government to pull back and let the private market handle things.

Feds want getting COVID-19 vaccine simple as getting flu shot

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Authorities were investigating after two fishermen found a body in a Kansas City-area lake.

Jackson County Sheriff’s deputies and Kansas City firefighters were called to Longview Lake just after 4 p.m. Thursday and pulled the body from the water, officials said. The sheriff’s office said it is working with the Missouri State Highway Patrol to determine the identity of the person and how the person died.

It is unclear whether the death was accidental or involved foul play, officials said. An autopsy has been scheduled to try to determine the identity of the body and cause of death.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605283290609.png" alt="Law enforcement on the scene Thursday afternoon -photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Law enforcement on the scene Thursday afternoon -photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — Authorities were investigating after two fishermen found a body in a Kansas City-area lake.Jackson County Sheriff’s deputies and Kansas City firefighters were called to Longview Lake just after 4 p.m. Thursday and pulled the body from the water, officials said. The sheriff’s office said it is working with the Missouri State Highway Patrol to determine the identity of the person and how the person died.It is unclear whether the death was accidental or involved foul play, officials said. An autopsy has been scheduled to try to determine the identity of the body and cause of death.

Sheriff: Fishermen find body in KC-area lake

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Public health officials in two of Kansas’ most populous counties on Thursday tightened restrictions on gatherings, and public schools in the state’s capital city scrapped at least two weeks of in-person classes in favor online learning amid a statewide surge in coronavirus cases.

In Shawnee County, home to the state capital of Topeka, gatherings will be limited to 10 people whether they are held indoors or outdoors, starting Friday. An order from Dr. Gianfranco Pezzino, the county’s health officer, dropped the limits from 25 for indoor gatherings and 45 for outdoor gatherings, said bars and restaurants that can hold 100 or more people must operate at 50% of their capacities, and said bars must close at 11 p.m. every day, rather than remaining open until midnight four nights a week.

The limit on gatherings also will drop Friday to 15 from 45 in neighboring Douglas County, home to the main University of Kansas campus under an order issued by the county health officer, Dr. Thomas Marcellino.

With their orders, at least seven of the state’s 105 counties have issued more restrictive rules this week. Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly issued an order requiring people statewide to wear masks in public, but state law allows counties to opt out, and most still have. Shawnee County is one of fewer than 30 with a mask mandate.

“The exponential rise in cases has been due to both small and large gatherings across the board,” said Craig Barnes, a Shawnee County Health Department spokesman. “We’re trying to, with this order, minimize the opportunities in the areas where people can congregate in small settings, especially indoor small settings.”

Kansas had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-kansas-topeka-3cf7f250ce53ff022500a2554ba515d0">a record daily average</a>&nbsp;of 2,430 new confirmed and probable cases during the seven days that ended Wednesday, according state Department of Health and Environment data. The state also averaged a record 38 new COVID-19-related hospitalizations per day during that period, along with 18 new deaths a day.

Kansas has had more than 109,000 coronavirus cases, 4,200 hospitalizations and 1,200 deaths since the pandemic reached the state in early March, according to the health department.

The Topeka public school district, with about 13,000 students and 2,400 staff, announced that it would suspend in-person classes for at least two weeks, starting Monday. The district, one of the largest in the state, had students splitting four days a week between in-person and online classes, with online classes Wednesdays.

The district has reported 36 students and 25 staff members testing positive for coronavirus, but officials said the bigger issue is others being forced to quarantine because of potential exposures to the virus outside school. While some teachers can cover others’ classes, it cuts into their planning time, and it’s becoming harder to find outside substitutes because of the pandemic, said Rebecca Morrisey, Topeka High School’s principal.

“Most of our subs tend to be retired, and they have — many of them — been a little bit apprehensive about coming into the buildings,” she said. “It is a real challenge to cover classes.”

Public health officials blame the big surge in coronavirus cases on people being lax about wearing masks in public and still attending gatherings, including private family ones, such as birthday parties, baby showers and even informal get-togethers. They’re worried that the state will see an even larger spike in cases after Thanksgiving.

The chairman of the Republican Party in Johnson County, the state’s most populous county, confirmed in a Facebook post Thursday that at least one person attending its election night victory party tested positive for coronavirus. Public health officials have expressed concerns about the possibility of an outbreak from a similar GOP election night party in Topeka, attended by about 100 people, including U.S. Sen.-elect Roger Marshall.

Meanwhile, University of Kansas Health System doctors said during a morning video briefing that they’re working to see which patients can safely delay surgeries,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kmbc.com/article/covid-19-impact-university-of-kansas-health-system-beginning-to-delay-small-number-of-surgeries/34657404" target="_blank">KMBC-TV reports.</a>&nbsp;Hospitals in other parts of the state are stressed as well, most notably in south-central Kansas, which is home to the state’s largest city, Wichita.

In Finney County, in southwestern Kansas, the county seat of Garden City approved a mask mandate Wednesday, but the county has no plans to follow suit,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwch.com/2020/11/12/garden-city-requires-masks-finney-county-doesnt/" target="_blank">KWCH-TV reported.&nbsp;</a>Finney County Commission Chairman Duane Drees said in a statement Thursday that the city’s decision was “appropriate and reasonable,” but county commissioners believe in letting those more-local officials make such decisions.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Public health officials in two of Kansas’ most populous counties on Thursday tightened restrictions on gatherings, and public schools in the state’s capital city scrapped at least two weeks of in-person classes in favor online learning amid a statewide surge in coronavirus cases.In Shawnee County, home to the state capital of Topeka, gatherings will be limited to 10 people whether they are held indoors or outdoors, starting Friday. An order from Dr. Gianfranco Pezzino, the county’s health officer, dropped the limits from 25 for indoor gatherings and 45 for outdoor gatherings, said bars and restaurants that can hold 100 or more people must operate at 50% of their capacities, and said bars must close at 11 p.m. every day, rather than remaining open until midnight four nights a week.The limit on gatherings also will drop Friday to 15 from 45 in neighboring Douglas County, home to the main University of Kansas campus under an order issued by the county health officer, Dr. Thomas Marcellino.With their orders, at least seven of the state’s 105 counties have issued more restrictive rules this week. Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly issued an order requiring people statewide to wear masks in public, but state law allows counties to opt out, and most still have. Shawnee County is one of fewer than 30 with a mask mandate.“The exponential rise in cases has been due to both small and large gatherings across the board,” said Craig Barnes, a Shawnee County Health Department spokesman. “We’re trying to, with this order, minimize the opportunities in the areas where people can congregate in small settings, especially indoor small settings.”Kansas had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-kansas-topeka-3cf7f250ce53ff022500a2554ba515d0">a record daily average</a>&nbsp;of 2,430 new confirmed and probable cases during the seven days that ended Wednesday, according state Department of Health and Environment data. The state also averaged a record 38 new COVID-19-related hospitalizations per day during that period, along with 18 new deaths a day.Kansas has had more than 109,000 coronavirus cases, 4,200 hospitalizations and 1,200 deaths since the pandemic reached the state in early March, according to the health department.The Topeka public school district, with about 13,000 students and 2,400 staff, announced that it would suspend in-person classes for at least two weeks, starting Monday. The district, one of the largest in the state, had students splitting four days a week between in-person and online classes, with online classes Wednesdays.The district has reported 36 students and 25 staff members testing positive for coronavirus, but officials said the bigger issue is others being forced to quarantine because of potential exposures to the virus outside school. While some teachers can cover others’ classes, it cuts into their planning time, and it’s becoming harder to find outside substitutes because of the pandemic, said Rebecca Morrisey, Topeka High School’s principal.“Most of our subs tend to be retired, and they have — many of them — been a little bit apprehensive about coming into the buildings,” she said. “It is a real challenge to cover classes.”Public health officials blame the big surge in coronavirus cases on people being lax about wearing masks in public and still attending gatherings, including private family ones, such as birthday parties, baby showers and even informal get-togethers. They’re worried that the state will see an even larger spike in cases after Thanksgiving.The chairman of the Republican Party in Johnson County, the state’s most populous county, confirmed in a Facebook post Thursday that at least one person attending its election night victory party tested positive for coronavirus. Public health officials have expressed concerns about the possibility of an outbreak from a similar GOP election night party in Topeka, attended by about 100 people, including U.S. Sen.-elect Roger Marshall.Meanwhile, University of Kansas Health System doctors said during a morning video briefing that they’re working to see which patients can safely delay surgeries,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kmbc.com/article/covid-19-impact-university-of-kansas-health-system-beginning-to-delay-small-number-of-surgeries/34657404" target="_blank">KMBC-TV reports.</a>&nbsp;Hospitals in other parts of the state are stressed as well, most notably in south-central Kansas, which is home to the state’s largest city, Wichita.In Finney County, in southwestern Kansas, the county seat of Garden City approved a mask mandate Wednesday, but the county has no plans to follow suit,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwch.com/2020/11/12/garden-city-requires-masks-finney-county-doesnt/" target="_blank">KWCH-TV reported.&nbsp;</a>Finney County Commission Chairman Duane Drees said in a statement Thursday that the city’s decision was “appropriate and reasonable,” but county commissioners believe in letting those more-local officials make such decisions.

Kansas counties tighten COVID rules; more schools online

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Kansas City police have determined the death of a man over the weekend near Independence Plaza was a homicide.

Officers called to the area around East 12th Street and Cleveland Avenue around 7 p.m. Saturday found a man who was unresponsive. The man, later identified as 39-year-old Rodolfo Ibarra, was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Police initially said Ibarra’s cause of death was unclear, but investigators later deemed his death a homicide. Police have not released information on Ibarra’s cause of death or the type of injuries he sustained. No arrests had been announced by Friday morning.

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Kansas City police have determined the death of a man over the weekend near Independence Plaza was a homicide.Officers called to the area around East 12th Street and Cleveland Avenue around 7 p.m. Saturday found a man who was unresponsive. The man, later identified as 39-year-old Rodolfo Ibarra, was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.Police initially said Ibarra’s cause of death was unclear, but investigators later deemed his death a homicide. Police have not released information on Ibarra’s cause of death or the type of injuries he sustained. No arrests had been announced by Friday morning.

Kansas City police: Man’s death near plaza was homicide

WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Joe Biden’s top allies on Capitol Hill adopted a combative posture on COVID-19 relief on Thursday, pressing their case for a $2 trillion bill that’s a nonstarter for Republicans and faulting the GOP for dragging its feet on acknowledging Biden’s victory.

The message from House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y. — both of whom witnessed disappointing outcomes in House and Senate races last week — was that Republicans should concede Biden won and immediately return to negotiations on COVID relief, with the Democrats’ $2.4 trillion “HEROES Act” as the starting point.

“It’s most unfortunate that the Republicans have decided that they will not respect the will of the people,” Pelosi told reporters. “It’s like the house is burning down, and they just refuse to throw water on it.”

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., reiterated that Republicans controlling the Senate simply won’t accept a bill of the size that Schumer and Pelosi want.

“That’s not a place I think we’re willing to go. But I do think there needs to another package. Hopefully, we can get past the impasse we’ve had now for four or five months and get serious about doing something that’s appropriate,” McConnell told reporters.

Top House Republican Kevin McCarthy of California, speaking just minutes later from the same podium, accused Pelosi of playing politics with COVID, deliberately dragging out pre-election talks on new relief to deny President Donald Trump a victory that could have helped him in the election. Trump hasn’t talked or tweeted much about COVID since the election, and has instead focused on grievances about the results.

The continued battling comes as caseloads are spiking across the country in a third wave of the pandemic that is threatening a dangerous winter, despite advances in vaccine development and treatments to fight it the disease. The rebound of the economy has been relatively strong so far, but both sides agree more help is needed — even as they spar over specifics like jobless assistance and the means to distribute treatments and vaccines.

“We need another COVID relief bill,” said moderate GOP Sen. Susan Collins of Maine. “We need another round of the (paycheck protection) program that’s aimed at the most distressed businesses or otherwise they will not be able to keep employing their workers and they will close their doors forever. We need more funding for schools, for health care providers, for the airlines and bus lines.”

Congress virtually unanimously passed a $1.8 trillion COVID rescue bill in March, but top leaders and the administration have fought for months over what another installment of relief should entail. Before the election, with Democrats riding high in the polls, Pelosi took a hard line in the talks, even as the administration made numerous concessions. Congressional Republicans, meanwhile, shied away from concessions made by Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin as well.

“She sacrificed our economy and people who were hurting,” McCarthy said.

The combative postures all around don’t appear to bode well for a quick resolution or the smooth resumption of the serious talks that flamed out before Election Day. Capitol Hill is in limbo, frozen by the refusal of Trump and Republicans like McCarthy to accept Biden’s victory and by two Senate runoff elections in Georgia that Republicans are favored to win to maintain control of the chamber.

Pelosi and Schumer, meanwhile, continue to press COVID relief proposals like more than $400 billion in aid to state and local governments that McConnell won’t go for.

“What Joe Biden got in this election was a mandate, a mandate to address the challenges that our country faces,” Pelosi said. “And in order to do that, we must address the COVID, the pandemic.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605204161376.png" alt="House Speaker Nancy Pelosi during her Thursday news conference-photo courtesy office of Speaker" />
 <figcaption>House Speaker Nancy Pelosi during her Thursday news conference-photo courtesy office of Speaker</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Joe Biden’s top allies on Capitol Hill adopted a combative posture on COVID-19 relief on Thursday, pressing their case for a $2 trillion bill that’s a nonstarter for Republicans and faulting the GOP for dragging its feet on acknowledging Biden’s victory.The message from House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y. — both of whom witnessed disappointing outcomes in House and Senate races last week — was that Republicans should concede Biden won and immediately return to negotiations on COVID relief, with the Democrats’ $2.4 trillion “HEROES Act” as the starting point.“It’s most unfortunate that the Republicans have decided that they will not respect the will of the people,” Pelosi told reporters. “It’s like the house is burning down, and they just refuse to throw water on it.”Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., reiterated that Republicans controlling the Senate simply won’t accept a bill of the size that Schumer and Pelosi want.“That’s not a place I think we’re willing to go. But I do think there needs to another package. Hopefully, we can get past the impasse we’ve had now for four or five months and get serious about doing something that’s appropriate,” McConnell told reporters.Top House Republican Kevin McCarthy of California, speaking just minutes later from the same podium, accused Pelosi of playing politics with COVID, deliberately dragging out pre-election talks on new relief to deny President Donald Trump a victory that could have helped him in the election. Trump hasn’t talked or tweeted much about COVID since the election, and has instead focused on grievances about the results.The continued battling comes as caseloads are spiking across the country in a third wave of the pandemic that is threatening a dangerous winter, despite advances in vaccine development and treatments to fight it the disease. The rebound of the economy has been relatively strong so far, but both sides agree more help is needed — even as they spar over specifics like jobless assistance and the means to distribute treatments and vaccines.“We need another COVID relief bill,” said moderate GOP Sen. Susan Collins of Maine. “We need another round of the (paycheck protection) program that’s aimed at the most distressed businesses or otherwise they will not be able to keep employing their workers and they will close their doors forever. We need more funding for schools, for health care providers, for the airlines and bus lines.”Congress virtually unanimously passed a $1.8 trillion COVID rescue bill in March, but top leaders and the administration have fought for months over what another installment of relief should entail. Before the election, with Democrats riding high in the polls, Pelosi took a hard line in the talks, even as the administration made numerous concessions. Congressional Republicans, meanwhile, shied away from concessions made by Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin as well.“She sacrificed our economy and people who were hurting,” McCarthy said.The combative postures all around don’t appear to bode well for a quick resolution or the smooth resumption of the serious talks that flamed out before Election Day. Capitol Hill is in limbo, frozen by the refusal of Trump and Republicans like McCarthy to accept Biden’s victory and by two Senate runoff elections in Georgia that Republicans are favored to win to maintain control of the chamber.Pelosi and Schumer, meanwhile, continue to press COVID relief proposals like more than $400 billion in aid to state and local governments that McConnell won’t go for.“What Joe Biden got in this election was a mandate, a mandate to address the challenges that our country faces,” Pelosi said. “And in order to do that, we must address the COVID, the pandemic.”

Post-election fight limits chance for 2nd stimulus check

KANSAS CITY, KAN. (AP)&nbsp;— University of&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;Health System doctors on Thursday started postponing a small number of elective surgeries to free up bed space at its Kansas City, Kansas, hospital because the surge in COVID-19 cases is stressing it and other medical facilities around the state.

Doctors said during a morning video briefing that they're working to see which patients can safely delay surgeries, KMBC-TV reports. The health system's officials said it is having to turn away patients from out of state because of a lack of space.

A survey of 32 hospitals in the Kansas City area serving Kansas patients showed that 18% of all staffed beds were available, and only 9% of staffed intensive care unit beds for adults, the Kansas Hospital Association reported. Eleven of those hospitals, or 34%, said they expected to face critical staffing shortages in the next week.

“Capacity is very limited right now, especially staffing capacity,” said Janelle Friesen, spokeswoman for the Wyandotte County Health Department.

Kansas had a record daily average of 2,430 new confirmed and probable cases during the seven days that ended Wednesday, according state Department of Health and Environment data. The state also averaged a record 38 new COVID-19-related hospitalizations per day during that period, along with 18 new deaths a day.

Hospitals in other parts of the state are stressed as well, most notably in south-central Kansas, which is home to the state's largest city, Wichita. Thirteen of the 30 hospitals in that region surveyed by the state association said they expected to face critical staffing shortages in the next week, and only 9% of their staffed intensive care unit beds for adults were available.

Dr. Steven Stites, the chief medical officer at the University of Kansas Health System, said it's not only COVID-19 patients who suffer when hospital resources are strained.

“If you have a heart attack or stroke, where are you going to go?” Stites asked. “’I’ll go to the hospital.’ Well, not if they’re overwhelmed. Where are you going to go? That’s a choice you face.”

State health officials blame the big surge in coronavirus cases on people being lax about wearing masks in public and still attending gatherings, including private family ones, such as birthday parties, baby showers and even informal get-togethers. They're worried that the state will see an even larger spike in cases after Thanksgiving.

Rural counties have been hit especially hard in recent weeks. Norton and Sheridan counties in northwestern Kansas and Hodgeman County in southwestern Kansas have had among the highest per-capita increases in cases in the nation over the past two weeks, according to the volunteer COVID Tracking Project.

In Finney County, in southwestern Kansas, the county seat of Garden City approved a mask mandate Wednesday, but the county has no plans to follow suit, KWCH-TV reported.

Finney County Commission Chairman Duane Drees said in a statement Thursday that the city's decision was “appropriate and reasonable,” noting that 72% of the county's population lives there. But he also said county commissioners believe in letting those more-local officials make such decisions.

The county of about 36,000 residents has had more than 3,200 confirmed and probable cases since the pandemic started, largely because of outbreaks this spring among meatpacking plant workers. Its rate of roughly 89 cases per 1,000 residents is among the state's highest.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1604690551401.png" alt="Steve Stites, the chief medical officer for the University of Kansas Health System" />
 <figcaption>Steve Stites, the chief medical officer for the University of Kansas Health System</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, KAN. (AP)&nbsp;— University of&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;Health System doctors on Thursday started postponing a small number of elective surgeries to free up bed space at its Kansas City, Kansas, hospital because the surge in COVID-19 cases is stressing it and other medical facilities around the state.Doctors said during a morning video briefing that they're working to see which patients can safely delay surgeries, KMBC-TV reports. The health system's officials said it is having to turn away patients from out of state because of a lack of space.A survey of 32 hospitals in the Kansas City area serving Kansas patients showed that 18% of all staffed beds were available, and only 9% of staffed intensive care unit beds for adults, the Kansas Hospital Association reported. Eleven of those hospitals, or 34%, said they expected to face critical staffing shortages in the next week.“Capacity is very limited right now, especially staffing capacity,” said Janelle Friesen, spokeswoman for the Wyandotte County Health Department.Kansas had a record daily average of 2,430 new confirmed and probable cases during the seven days that ended Wednesday, according state Department of Health and Environment data. The state also averaged a record 38 new COVID-19-related hospitalizations per day during that period, along with 18 new deaths a day.Kansas has had more than 109,000 coronavirus cases, 4,200 hospitalizations and 1,200 deaths since the pandemic reached the state in early March, according to the health department.Hospitals in other parts of the state are stressed as well, most notably in south-central Kansas, which is home to the state's largest city, Wichita. Thirteen of the 30 hospitals in that region surveyed by the state association said they expected to face critical staffing shortages in the next week, and only 9% of their staffed intensive care unit beds for adults were available.Dr. Steven Stites, the chief medical officer at the University of Kansas Health System, said it's not only COVID-19 patients who suffer when hospital resources are strained.“If you have a heart attack or stroke, where are you going to go?” Stites asked. “’I’ll go to the hospital.’ Well, not if they’re overwhelmed. Where are you going to go? That’s a choice you face.”State health officials blame the big surge in coronavirus cases on people being lax about wearing masks in public and still attending gatherings, including private family ones, such as birthday parties, baby showers and even informal get-togethers. They're worried that the state will see an even larger spike in cases after Thanksgiving.Rural counties have been hit especially hard in recent weeks. Norton and Sheridan counties in northwestern Kansas and Hodgeman County in southwestern Kansas have had among the highest per-capita increases in cases in the nation over the past two weeks, according to the volunteer COVID Tracking Project.In Finney County, in southwestern Kansas, the county seat of Garden City approved a mask mandate Wednesday, but the county has no plans to follow suit, KWCH-TV reported.Finney County Commission Chairman Duane Drees said in a statement Thursday that the city's decision was “appropriate and reasonable,” noting that 72% of the county's population lives there. But he also said county commissioners believe in letting those more-local officials make such decisions.The county of about 36,000 residents has had more than 3,200 confirmed and probable cases since the pandemic started, largely because of outbreaks this spring among meatpacking plant workers. Its rate of roughly 89 cases per 1,000 residents is among the state's highest.

COVID-19 forces Kansas health system to postpone surgeries

SHAWNEE COUNTY —There were no injuries from a fire at home Thursday in Topeka.

Just after 6:30p.m. Thursday crews responded to a fire at 1325 SW Washburn Avenue, according to Fire Marshal Todd Harrison.

Upon arrival, fire crews found smoke coming from the two story residence.&nbsp;Firefighters began an offensive fire attack and were able to keep it contained to the structure.

A Preliminary investigation indicates the fire cause to be accidental, associated with the malfunction of an electrical device. The estimated dollar loss – $7,500.00; of which $5,000.00 is associated with structural loss and $2,500.00 associated with contents loss, according to Harrison.

The adults in the home were able to escape and are displaced due to the fire.&nbsp;Working smoke detectors were not located within the home, according to Harrison.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605266751716.png" alt="Firefighters on the scene of the house fire Thursday photo courtesy WIBW-TV" />
 <figcaption>Firefighters on the scene of the house fire Thursday photo courtesy WIBW-TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —There were no injuries from a fire at home Thursday in Topeka.Just after 6:30p.m. Thursday crews responded to a fire at 1325 SW Washburn Avenue, according to Fire Marshal Todd Harrison.Upon arrival, fire crews found smoke coming from the two story residence.&nbsp;Firefighters began an offensive fire attack and were able to keep it contained to the structure.A Preliminary investigation indicates the fire cause to be accidental, associated with the malfunction of an electrical device. The estimated dollar loss – $7,500.00; of which $5,000.00 is associated with structural loss and $2,500.00 associated with contents loss, according to Harrison.The adults in the home were able to escape and are displaced due to the fire.&nbsp;Working smoke detectors were not located within the home, according to Harrison.

Fire Marshal: 3 adults escape fire at Kansas home

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A Kansas man whose short sentence was overturned by the Court of Appeals has been resentenced to just over 10 years in prison.

Taylor Lukone, 21, was resentenced Thursday in Reno County District Court and given the two-year sentence for reckless second-degree murder in the death of 51-year-old Jose Lopez. 

Lukone rammed Lopez, who was on a bicycle, with his car. The incident happened following a confrontation between the two.

After the Court of Appeals said the sentence was outside the framework of the legal standards and statutory limitations, and constituted an abuse of discretion, the case went to the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court refused to hear the case and sent it back to Reno County for resentencing

This time around there was little argument from either party. Judge Trish Rose sentenced Lukone on the murder count to 123 months. Two other counts will run concurrent to the murder count. Lukone will also have to pay $25,000 in restitution.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603362145099.png" alt="Lukone photo KDOC" />
 <figcaption>Lukone photo KDOC</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A Kansas man whose short sentence was overturned by the Court of Appeals has been resentenced to just over 10 years in prison.Taylor Lukone, 21, was resentenced Thursday in Reno County District Court and given the two-year sentence for reckless second-degree murder in the death of 51-year-old Jose Lopez. Lukone rammed Lopez, who was on a bicycle, with his car. The incident happened following a confrontation between the two.After the Court of Appeals said the sentence was outside the framework of the legal standards and statutory limitations, and constituted an abuse of discretion, the case went to the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court refused to hear the case and sent it back to Reno County for resentencingThis time around there was little argument from either party. Judge Trish Rose sentenced Lukone on the murder count to 123 months. Two other counts will run concurrent to the murder count. Lukone will also have to pay $25,000 in restitution.

Kan. man resentenced for death of man on bicycle

TOPEKA—Chief Justice Marla Luckert issued a new administrative order today continuing to suspend statutes of limitation, statutory time standards, deadlines, and time limitations started under earlier orders in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Luckert's action follows the State Finance Council's decision today to extend the COVID-19 state of disaster emergency from November 16 through December 15. Luckert said the health and safety of jurors, witnesses, litigants, members of the public, law enforcement officials, court employees, and judges drove her decision to continue the suspensions.

"Our courts are processing many cases remotely and many are resuming in-person trials and proceedings" Luckert said. "But health and safety concerns present barriers to access to justice and require a measured approach to resuming in-person jury trials." Statutory speedy trial provisions in district courts <a href="https://kansascourts.org/l/fZOT6CTyEEXejN44WcVEc4w7sb3le1W53TSNiziMjSw" target="_blank">Administrative Order 2020-PR-113</a>&nbsp;continues the suspension of statutory deadlines and time limitations to bring a defendant to trial in district court. The order does not impact a criminal defendant's constitutional right to a speedy trial. Judicial proceedings The order also continues the suspension of statutes of limitations, statutory time standards, or deadlines that apply to conducting or processing judicial proceedings. Under the order, no action may be dismissed for lack of prosecution or failure to meet a deadline, except when a judge, appellate judicial officer, or hearing officer exempts a case from the suspension. Municipal courts The order also continues the suspension of certain deadlines and time standards, including applicable statutory speedy trial provisions, for any municipal court closed or continuing trials because of COVID-19. The suspensions remain in effect until the court reopens and can reasonably place the case on its calendar, or until further order. Duration of today's order Today's order will remain in effect until further order or it expires under provisions in 2020 House Substitute for Senate Bill 102 as amended by 2020 Spec. Sess. House Bill 2016. Case processing Courts continue to process cases even while statutes of limitation and statutory time standards or deadlines are suspended. Judges hear many types of proceedings using videoconferencing technology, greatly reducing the need for in-person hearings. And in-person hearings, including jury trials, are also taking place with physical distancing and other precautions. Court operations during pandemic For all court actions related to the pandemic, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://kansascourts.org/l/fZOT6CTyEEXejN44WcVEcxyKZEr7LjWmXydvY1JmIrQ" target="_blank">Kansas courts response to COVID-19</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1593180302304.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>OJATOPEKA—Chief Justice Marla Luckert issued a new administrative order today continuing to suspend statutes of limitation, statutory time standards, deadlines, and time limitations started under earlier orders in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Luckert's action follows the State Finance Council's decision today to extend the COVID-19 state of disaster emergency from November 16 through December 15. Luckert said the health and safety of jurors, witnesses, litigants, members of the public, law enforcement officials, court employees, and judges drove her decision to continue the suspensions."Our courts are processing many cases remotely and many are resuming in-person trials and proceedings" Luckert said. "But health and safety concerns present barriers to access to justice and require a measured approach to resuming in-person jury trials." Statutory speedy trial provisions in district courts <a href="https://kansascourts.org/l/fZOT6CTyEEXejN44WcVEc4w7sb3le1W53TSNiziMjSw" target="_blank">Administrative Order 2020-PR-113</a>&nbsp;continues the suspension of statutory deadlines and time limitations to bring a defendant to trial in district court. The order does not impact a criminal defendant's constitutional right to a speedy trial. Judicial proceedings The order also continues the suspension of statutes of limitations, statutory time standards, or deadlines that apply to conducting or processing judicial proceedings. Under the order, no action may be dismissed for lack of prosecution or failure to meet a deadline, except when a judge, appellate judicial officer, or hearing officer exempts a case from the suspension. Municipal courts The order also continues the suspension of certain deadlines and time standards, including applicable statutory speedy trial provisions, for any municipal court closed or continuing trials because of COVID-19. The suspensions remain in effect until the court reopens and can reasonably place the case on its calendar, or until further order. Duration of today's order Today's order will remain in effect until further order or it expires under provisions in 2020 House Substitute for Senate Bill 102 as amended by 2020 Spec. Sess. House Bill 2016. Case processing Courts continue to process cases even while statutes of limitation and statutory time standards or deadlines are suspended. Judges hear many types of proceedings using videoconferencing technology, greatly reducing the need for in-person hearings. And in-person hearings, including jury trials, are also taking place with physical distancing and other precautions. Court operations during pandemic For all court actions related to the pandemic, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://kansascourts.org/l/fZOT6CTyEEXejN44WcVEcxyKZEr7LjWmXydvY1JmIrQ" target="_blank">Kansas courts response to COVID-19</a>.

Time limitations and deadlines for Kansas court proceedings extended

KANSAS CITY– A Kansas City woman was sentenced in federal court for a Social Security and bankruptcy fraud scheme.

On Nov. 6, Carol L. Dille, 68, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Greg Kays to two years in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Dille to pay $76,601 in restitution, according to the United State's Attorney.

On Jan. 31, 2020, Dille pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of bankruptcy fraud. Dille admitted that she filed an online application for Social Security retirement insurance benefits in September 2013, using the identity – including the name, date of birth, and Social Security number – of her former husband, Gerald Sanders, from whom she separated in 2009. Sanders had been living overseas since the 2009 separation, and was unaware that Dille filed the application.

Dille, representing herself as Sanders, provided her own address, phone number, and email address as contact information. Dille, while still representing herself as Sanders, indicated benefits should be direct deposited into the bank account of “Alliance of Divine Love Chapel 1202,” of which she was the sole authorized signor on the account.

In June 2016, as Sanders neared his 65th birthday, Dille emailed him offering to help set up his benefits – even though she had been secretly collecting them herself for nearly three years. She pretended to help him and to be sympathetic to his financial distress while diverting $1,420 a month of his benefits to her own bank account.

In August 2016, Sanders moved from Indonesia to Guam. After his move, Sanders went into the Guam Social Security office to check on his application. At that point he was told a claim had already been filed and the Social Security Administration had been paying monthly benefits in his name since October 2013. As a direct result of the fraudulent application filed by Dille, the government paid a total of $76,601 in monthly benefits earmarked for Sanders.

In addition to the Social Security fraud scheme, Dille used the Alliance of Divine Love Chapel bank account twice to commit bankruptcy fraud.

On May 7, 2015, Dille filed for Chapter 13 bankruptcy. She claimed $500,001 to $1 million in estimated liabilities, but failed to list – effectively concealing – the Alliance of Divine Love bank account. Dille’s bankruptcy case was dismissed on Oct. 5, 2015, because she failed to make required payments.

On March 9, 2016, Dille again filed for bankruptcy. Dille again failed to list – effectively concealing – the Alliance of Divine Love bank account. This case was dismissed on May 5, 2016, because Dille again failed to make required payments.

The court also ruled today that Dille violated the terms of her plea agreement by committing another crime between the time of her guilty plea and today’s sentencing. Within three months of entering her guilty plea, Dille committed bankruptcy fraud again when she concealed the attempted sale of a real estate parcel that was an asset of her bankruptcy estate, and the related sale documents, from the bankruptcy court and U.S. Trustee’s Office. Dille admitted that had the sale gone through, she did not intend to use the proceeds to repay her bankruptcy creditors.

KANSAS CITY– A Kansas City woman was sentenced in federal court for a Social Security and bankruptcy fraud scheme.On Nov. 6, Carol L. Dille, 68, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Greg Kays to two years in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Dille to pay $76,601 in restitution, according to the United State's Attorney.On Jan. 31, 2020, Dille pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of bankruptcy fraud. Dille admitted that she filed an online application for Social Security retirement insurance benefits in September 2013, using the identity – including the name, date of birth, and Social Security number – of her former husband, Gerald Sanders, from whom she separated in 2009. Sanders had been living overseas since the 2009 separation, and was unaware that Dille filed the application.Dille, representing herself as Sanders, provided her own address, phone number, and email address as contact information. Dille, while still representing herself as Sanders, indicated benefits should be direct deposited into the bank account of “Alliance of Divine Love Chapel 1202,” of which she was the sole authorized signor on the account.In June 2016, as Sanders neared his 65th birthday, Dille emailed him offering to help set up his benefits – even though she had been secretly collecting them herself for nearly three years. She pretended to help him and to be sympathetic to his financial distress while diverting $1,420 a month of his benefits to her own bank account.In August 2016, Sanders moved from Indonesia to Guam. After his move, Sanders went into the Guam Social Security office to check on his application. At that point he was told a claim had already been filed and the Social Security Administration had been paying monthly benefits in his name since October 2013. As a direct result of the fraudulent application filed by Dille, the government paid a total of $76,601 in monthly benefits earmarked for Sanders.In addition to the Social Security fraud scheme, Dille used the Alliance of Divine Love Chapel bank account twice to commit bankruptcy fraud.On May 7, 2015, Dille filed for Chapter 13 bankruptcy. She claimed $500,001 to $1 million in estimated liabilities, but failed to list – effectively concealing – the Alliance of Divine Love bank account. Dille’s bankruptcy case was dismissed on Oct. 5, 2015, because she failed to make required payments.On March 9, 2016, Dille again filed for bankruptcy. Dille again failed to list – effectively concealing – the Alliance of Divine Love bank account. This case was dismissed on May 5, 2016, because Dille again failed to make required payments.The court also ruled today that Dille violated the terms of her plea agreement by committing another crime between the time of her guilty plea and today’s sentencing. Within three months of entering her guilty plea, Dille committed bankruptcy fraud again when she concealed the attempted sale of a real estate parcel that was an asset of her bankruptcy estate, and the related sale documents, from the bankruptcy court and U.S. Trustee’s Office. Dille admitted that had the sale gone through, she did not intend to use the proceeds to repay her bankruptcy creditors.

KC woman collected ex-husband's Social Security benefits

DETROIT (AP) — U.S. investigators have determined that shrapnel from an exploding Takata air bag killed a BMW driver during a crash in Arizona.

The September death of the unidentified male is the 18th in the U.S. since 2009 and 27th worldwide caused by the faulty inflators.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration wouldn’t release further details on the death, citing privacy concerns. But the agency said the incident underscores the importance of getting recall repairs done. A message was left Thursday seeking comment from BMW.

Takata used volatile ammonium nitrate to create a small explosion to inflate air bags in a crash. But the chemical can become more volatile over time when exposed to moisture in the air. The explosion can blow apart a metal canister and hurl shrapnel into the passenger compartment.

The problem caused the largest series of auto recalls in U.S. history, with at least 63 million inflators recalled. The U.S. government says that as of September, more than 11.1 million had not been fixed. About 100 million inflators have been recalled worldwide.

Most of the deaths have been in the U.S., but they also have occurred in Australia and Malaysia.

Drivers can check to see if their vehicles have been recalled by going<a href="https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls"> clicking here</a> and keying in their 17-digit vehicle identification number.

The recalls drove Japan’s Takata into bankruptcy and brought criminal charges against the company. Eventually it was purchased by a Chinese-owned auto parts supplier.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1576782225717.png" alt="Photo courtesy National Highway Traffic Safety Administration" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy National Highway Traffic Safety Administration</figcaption>
 </figure>DETROIT (AP) — U.S. investigators have determined that shrapnel from an exploding Takata air bag killed a BMW driver during a crash in Arizona.The September death of the unidentified male is the 18th in the U.S. since 2009 and 27th worldwide caused by the faulty inflators.The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration wouldn’t release further details on the death, citing privacy concerns. But the agency said the incident underscores the importance of getting recall repairs done. A message was left Thursday seeking comment from BMW.Takata used volatile ammonium nitrate to create a small explosion to inflate air bags in a crash. But the chemical can become more volatile over time when exposed to moisture in the air. The explosion can blow apart a metal canister and hurl shrapnel into the passenger compartment.The problem caused the largest series of auto recalls in U.S. history, with at least 63 million inflators recalled. The U.S. government says that as of September, more than 11.1 million had not been fixed. About 100 million inflators have been recalled worldwide.Most of the deaths have been in the U.S., but they also have occurred in Australia and Malaysia.Drivers can check to see if their vehicles have been recalled by going<a href="https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls"> clicking here</a> and keying in their 17-digit vehicle identification number.The recalls drove Japan’s Takata into bankruptcy and brought criminal charges against the company. Eventually it was purchased by a Chinese-owned auto parts supplier.

Exploding Takata air bag inflator kills man in crash

TOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly announced Thursday that 11 contracts have been awarded in conjunction with the Kansas COVID-19 Unified Testing Strategy supported with SPARK funding, according to a media release from her office.

“Kansas is at a critical point with COVID-19,”&nbsp;Governor Kelly said. “Our communities are continuing to experience a significant amount of cases. Until a vaccine is widely available, one of the most important strategies to protect Kansans and ensure a promising economy is to increase testing.”

“When combined with wearing face masks, extensive testing – along with isolating those who are positive and quarantining close contacts -- poses the most probable fighting opportunity to stop the COVID-19 pandemic, especially as we head into the winter months,”&nbsp;according to Dr. Lee Norman, Secretary of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.

The Kansas Unified Testing Strategy will allow for broader routine screening to stop community spread of the virus and will ensure coordination between public and private testing efforts, including surveillance testing. The strategy includes sourcing the testing supplies and lab capacity, identifying appropriate populations to test, getting the samples and transporting them to the lab, processing and sharing the results, and ensuring that those who test positive are able to isolate.

Each of the 11 contractors will contribute to the overall strategy through implementing specific portions of the strategic plan and testing higher risk populations. Each entity will be responsible for testing in specific populations and counties, beginning next week.

Contracts have been awarded to: • 4M • Clinical Reference Lab • Freestate Logistics • MAWD • Medevac • NicUSA • Quest • Sinochips • University of Kansas Health System • WellHealth • Wichita State University

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605045730617.png" alt="Gov. Laura Kelly puts on her mask during her Tuesday news conference" />
 <figcaption>Gov. Laura Kelly puts on her mask during her Tuesday news conference</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly announced Thursday that 11 contracts have been awarded in conjunction with the Kansas COVID-19 Unified Testing Strategy supported with SPARK funding, according to a media release from her office.“Kansas is at a critical point with COVID-19,”&nbsp;Governor Kelly said. “Our communities are continuing to experience a significant amount of cases. Until a vaccine is widely available, one of the most important strategies to protect Kansans and ensure a promising economy is to increase testing.”“When combined with wearing face masks, extensive testing – along with isolating those who are positive and quarantining close contacts -- poses the most probable fighting opportunity to stop the COVID-19 pandemic, especially as we head into the winter months,”&nbsp;according to Dr. Lee Norman, Secretary of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.The Kansas Unified Testing Strategy will allow for broader routine screening to stop community spread of the virus and will ensure coordination between public and private testing efforts, including surveillance testing. The strategy includes sourcing the testing supplies and lab capacity, identifying appropriate populations to test, getting the samples and transporting them to the lab, processing and sharing the results, and ensuring that those who test positive are able to isolate.Each of the 11 contractors will contribute to the overall strategy through implementing specific portions of the strategic plan and testing higher risk populations. Each entity will be responsible for testing in specific populations and counties, beginning next week.Contracts have been awarded to: • 4M • Clinical Reference Lab • Freestate Logistics • MAWD • Medevac • NicUSA • Quest • Sinochips • University of Kansas Health System • WellHealth • Wichita State University

Contracts awarded to support Kan. unified virus testing strategy

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — One of two people shot over the weekend in a park in Kansas City, Kansas, has died, police there said.

The shooting happened just before 1 a.m. Sunday in Kaw Point Park, police said. Officers who arrived on the scene found two men with gunshot wounds, and the victims were taken to an area hospital, police said.

Officials said in a news release Thursday that one of the victims — 23-year-old Juan Perez — died Wednesday from his injuries. The other man, whose name has not been released, remained in the hospital in serious but stable condition, police said.

No arrests had been reported in the case by Thursday.

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — One of two people shot over the weekend in a park in Kansas City, Kansas, has died, police there said.The shooting happened just before 1 a.m. Sunday in Kaw Point Park, police said. Officers who arrived on the scene found two men with gunshot wounds, and the victims were taken to an area hospital, police said.Officials said in a news release Thursday that one of the victims — 23-year-old Juan Perez — died Wednesday from his injuries. The other man, whose name has not been released, remained in the hospital in serious but stable condition, police said.No arrests had been reported in the case by Thursday.

Police: 1 of 2 shot in Kansas park dies

TOPEKA —Supplemental&nbsp;<a href="https://kshousingcorp.org/emergency-housing/" target="_blank">Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG)</a>funding, provided by the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act of 2020 (CARES Act–CV), <a href="https://kshousingcorp.org/notice-of-funding-availability-2020-2021-emergency-solutions-grant-cares-act/">is now availabl</a>e to assist communities in their efforts to prevent and respond to homelessness, according to media release Thursday.

Funds must serve community members currently experiencing or at risk of homelessness and must be used to prevent, prepare for, or mitigate the effects of coronavirus.

Kansas Housing will accept applications from any unit of local government, including cities and counties. 

Local governments may apply on behalf of nonprofit organizations, which can provide services as a subrecipient or subgrantee. Eligible grant-funded activities may include:

Applications are due&nbsp;Tuesday, Dec. 15.&nbsp;Funds must be expended between Jan. 1 and Dec. 30, 2021. The program may be extended as needed based upon availability of ESG-CV funding.

Recipients must certify they will meet program requirements and applicable federal requirements. Government recipients and subrecipients must comply with Uniform Administrative Requirements Cost Principles and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards at 2 CFR part 200.

Questions?&nbsp;Review&nbsp;<a href="https://kshousingcorp.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/2020-ESG-CV-2-APPLICATION_fillable.pdf">application materials</a>&nbsp;online or contact ESG Program Manager&nbsp;<a href="mailto:jchiselom@kshousingcorp.org" target="_blank">James Chiselom</a>.

Submit applications to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:jchiselom@kshousingcorp.org" target="_blank">J</a><a href="mailto:jchiselom@kshousingcorp.org" target="_blank">ames Chiselom</a>, ESG Program Manager, and&nbsp;<a href="mailto:bnold@kshousingcorp.org" target="_blank">Brina Nold</a>, Administrative Specialist.

TOPEKA —Supplemental&nbsp;<a href="https://kshousingcorp.org/emergency-housing/" target="_blank">Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG)</a>funding, provided by the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act of 2020 (CARES Act–CV), <a href="https://kshousingcorp.org/notice-of-funding-availability-2020-2021-emergency-solutions-grant-cares-act/">is now availabl</a>e to assist communities in their efforts to prevent and respond to homelessness, according to media release Thursday.Funds must serve community members currently experiencing or at risk of homelessness and must be used to prevent, prepare for, or mitigate the effects of coronavirus.Kansas Housing will accept applications from any unit of local government, including cities and counties. Local governments may apply on behalf of nonprofit organizations, which can provide services as a subrecipient or subgrantee. Eligible grant-funded activities may include:<ul>
 <li>Emergency Shelter</li><li>Homelessness Prevention</li><li>Street Outreach</li><li>Rapid Rehousing</li><li>Homeless Management Information System (HMIS)</li><li>Program Administration</li>
 </ul>Applications are due&nbsp;Tuesday, Dec. 15.&nbsp;Funds must be expended between Jan. 1 and Dec. 30, 2021. The program may be extended as needed based upon availability of ESG-CV funding.Recipients must certify they will meet program requirements and applicable federal requirements. Government recipients and subrecipients must comply with Uniform Administrative Requirements Cost Principles and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards at 2 CFR part 200.Questions?&nbsp;Review&nbsp;<a href="https://kshousingcorp.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/2020-ESG-CV-2-APPLICATION_fillable.pdf">application materials</a>&nbsp;online or contact ESG Program Manager&nbsp;<a href="mailto:jchiselom@kshousingcorp.org" target="_blank">James Chiselom</a>.Submit applications to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:jchiselom@kshousingcorp.org" target="_blank">J</a><a href="mailto:jchiselom@kshousingcorp.org" target="_blank">ames Chiselom</a>, ESG Program Manager, and&nbsp;<a href="mailto:bnold@kshousingcorp.org" target="_blank">Brina Nold</a>, Administrative Specialist.

Kan. eviction prevention program has funds available

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — A man who claimed he was headed to Missouri to kill former U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill was arrested Wednesday in Utah after troopers caught him driving up to 130 mph, according to court documents.

George William Stahl, 36, of Cottonwood Heights, Utah, made several threats against McCaskill after he was arrested and told authorities that he was going to kill her, according to a probable cause affidavit. The two-term Democratic senator&nbsp; lost her seat in the 2018 midterm election and has become a political analyst for NBC News.

“Obviously, this is not the first time there have been threats, and that is never good,” McCaskill told The Associated Press in a statement. “But the political temperature is very high right now, which makes it concerning.”

Utah Highway Patrol officers saw Stahl speeding in Summit County around 12:45 a.m. Wednesday and arrested him. Stahl appeared to be heavily intoxicated and belligerent and told officers he had consumed Adderall, LSD and beer, the affidavit states. Officers say an empty 12-pack of Budweiser beer and another partially consumed 12-pack were in the vehicle.

Stahl was medically evaluated at a fire station and then taken to the Summit County Jail.

It could not be determined if Stahl had an attorney who could comment on his behalf.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605148746829.png" alt="Stahl -photo Summit Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Stahl -photo Summit Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — A man who claimed he was headed to Missouri to kill former U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill was arrested Wednesday in Utah after troopers caught him driving up to 130 mph, according to court documents.George William Stahl, 36, of Cottonwood Heights, Utah, made several threats against McCaskill after he was arrested and told authorities that he was going to kill her, according to a probable cause affidavit. The two-term Democratic senator&nbsp; lost her seat in the 2018 midterm election and has become a political analyst for NBC News.“Obviously, this is not the first time there have been threats, and that is never good,” McCaskill told The Associated Press in a statement. “But the political temperature is very high right now, which makes it concerning.”Utah Highway Patrol officers saw Stahl speeding in Summit County around 12:45 a.m. Wednesday and arrested him. Stahl appeared to be heavily intoxicated and belligerent and told officers he had consumed Adderall, LSD and beer, the affidavit states. Officers say an empty 12-pack of Budweiser beer and another partially consumed 12-pack were in the vehicle.Stahl was medically evaluated at a fire station and then taken to the Summit County Jail.It could not be determined if Stahl had an attorney who could comment on his behalf.

Man was driving 130 mph on way to kill former U.S. senator 

PRATT – Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism’s Flint Hills Trail and Prairie Spirit Trail state parks recently received America’s highest trails honor when they were designated National Recreational Trails by the National Park Service. Both state park trails are operated by KDWPT’s Parks Division.

“This is significant, not only for those parks and our state parks system, but for the state of Kansas,” said Linda Lanterman, KDWPT’s Parks Division director. “This is going to draw valuable attention to two great state parks and all they have to offer. And, ultimately, help the local economies that are developing along those trails. This is a big deal.”

The designation brings no monetary prize, but the parks can now use signage that denotes their high quality. The trails will also get special recognition on some maps of America’s trails. Both the Flint Hills Trail and Prairie Spirit Trail are built along abandoned railroad lines and required a tremendous amount of private labor to become reality.

The 117-mile Flint Hills Trail reaches from near Osawatomie to Herington, passing through landscapes that vary from steep, heavily timbered ridges to the Tallgrass Prairie of the Flint Hills.

Prairie Spirit Trail stretches 51 miles from Ottawa to Iola, and also crosses a wide range of scenic topography.

The two trails intersect in Ottawa. Businesses, including bed and breakfasts, cafes, museums and bicycle shops now benefit from the thousands of trail users from across the country who visit annually.

Both are funded by state park fees and grants. There is no charge to hike, cycle or horseback ride on either trail. And, the trails are maintained solely by a small number of staff and dedicated volunteers.

“We couldn’t have done any of this without our volunteers and private landowners,” said Lanterman. “They’re incredible and a huge reason why these trails have been so successful.”

Lanterman credited Kathy Pritchett, retired trails grant coordinator for KDWPT, with supplying the National Parks Service with the necessary documentation to be considered for a National Recreational Trail designation.

The National Parks Service made the announcement on Oct. 22 when 30 water and land trails in 25 states received the coveted recognition.

Kansas was the only state with four trails recognized. In addition to the state parks, the Migrant’s Mile Trail at Quivira National Wildlife Refuge and Outlet Campground Trail System at Melvern Reservoir also received recognition.

Kansas is also fortunate to have 192 miles of the Arkansas River and 173 miles of the Kansas River listed as National Water Trails.

By current estimates Kansas is home to more than 4,000 miles of maintained, public trails. Find one to discover today at&nbsp;<a href="https://ksoutdoors.com/ksoutdoors.com">ksoutdoors.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605029379403.jpeg" alt="Flint Hills Trail" />
 <figcaption>Flint Hills Trail</figcaption>
 </figure>KDWPTPRATT – Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism’s Flint Hills Trail and Prairie Spirit Trail state parks recently received America’s highest trails honor when they were designated National Recreational Trails by the National Park Service. Both state park trails are operated by KDWPT’s Parks Division.“This is significant, not only for those parks and our state parks system, but for the state of Kansas,” said Linda Lanterman, KDWPT’s Parks Division director. “This is going to draw valuable attention to two great state parks and all they have to offer. And, ultimately, help the local economies that are developing along those trails. This is a big deal.”The designation brings no monetary prize, but the parks can now use signage that denotes their high quality. The trails will also get special recognition on some maps of America’s trails. Both the Flint Hills Trail and Prairie Spirit Trail are built along abandoned railroad lines and required a tremendous amount of private labor to become reality.The 117-mile Flint Hills Trail reaches from near Osawatomie to Herington, passing through landscapes that vary from steep, heavily timbered ridges to the Tallgrass Prairie of the Flint Hills.Prairie Spirit Trail stretches 51 miles from Ottawa to Iola, and also crosses a wide range of scenic topography.The two trails intersect in Ottawa. Businesses, including bed and breakfasts, cafes, museums and bicycle shops now benefit from the thousands of trail users from across the country who visit annually.Both are funded by state park fees and grants. There is no charge to hike, cycle or horseback ride on either trail. And, the trails are maintained solely by a small number of staff and dedicated volunteers.“We couldn’t have done any of this without our volunteers and private landowners,” said Lanterman. “They’re incredible and a huge reason why these trails have been so successful.”Lanterman credited Kathy Pritchett, retired trails grant coordinator for KDWPT, with supplying the National Parks Service with the necessary documentation to be considered for a National Recreational Trail designation.The National Parks Service made the announcement on Oct. 22 when 30 water and land trails in 25 states received the coveted recognition.Kansas was the only state with four trails recognized. In addition to the state parks, the Migrant’s Mile Trail at Quivira National Wildlife Refuge and Outlet Campground Trail System at Melvern Reservoir also received recognition.Kansas is also fortunate to have 192 miles of the Arkansas River and 173 miles of the Kansas River listed as National Water Trails.By current estimates Kansas is home to more than 4,000 miles of maintained, public trails. Find one to discover today at&nbsp;<a href="https://ksoutdoors.com/ksoutdoors.com">ksoutdoors.com</a>.

Two Kansas trails receive national designations

BISMARCK, N.D. — The North Dakota Nurses Association says it doesn’t support a move to allow health care workers who have tested positive for the coronavirus but don’t have symptoms to remain on the job.

Gov. Doug Burgum supports the idea to ease stress both on hospitals and medical personnel amid skyrocketing coronavirus cases in North Dakota. Burgum says hospital administrators asked for the action and interim State Health Officer Dirk Wilke amended an order to allow it to take effect.

The nurses’ association says guidance from the CDC says the decision should be left to the positive nurse whether to work. The association says other measures, such as mask wearing, should be used to reduce the demand on the health care system before implementing this strategy.

Burgum, a Republican, has not supported a statewide mask mandate. Instead, he’s stressed personal responsibility.

North Dakota has the highest number of new coronavirus cases per capita in the nation, according to Johns Hopkins data, with one in every 83 residents testing positive in the past week.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605199088648.png" alt="North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum" />
 <figcaption>North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum</figcaption>
 </figure>BISMARCK, N.D. — The North Dakota Nurses Association says it doesn’t support a move to allow health care workers who have tested positive for the coronavirus but don’t have symptoms to remain on the job.Gov. Doug Burgum supports the idea to ease stress both on hospitals and medical personnel amid skyrocketing coronavirus cases in North Dakota. Burgum says hospital administrators asked for the action and interim State Health Officer Dirk Wilke amended an order to allow it to take effect.The nurses’ association says guidance from the CDC says the decision should be left to the positive nurse whether to work. The association says other measures, such as mask wearing, should be used to reduce the demand on the health care system before implementing this strategy.Burgum, a Republican, has not supported a statewide mask mandate. Instead, he’s stressed personal responsibility.North Dakota has the highest number of new coronavirus cases per capita in the nation, according to Johns Hopkins data, with one in every 83 residents testing positive in the past week.

ND governor OKs COVID infected nurses to keep working

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A woman accused of a hit-and-run that killed a woman in downtown Kansas City was intoxicated and speeding when she hit the victim, according to court records.

Shabazz Frencher, 22, was charged Tuesday with driving while intoxicated resulting in death or first degree involuntary manslaughter. She was also charged with leaving the scene of an accident and driving with a suspended license, the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office said.

Prosecutors say Frencher hit 27-year-old Zahara Kathawalla in downtown Kansas City about 2:30 a.m. June 21 and did not stop. She turned herself in that evening.

Frencher told police she drank a bottle of liquor and five shots before getting into a car and driving.

Frencher began racing another car, sometimes reaching 96 mph in a 35 mph zone, on the downtown street, according to court documents. She told police she slammed on the brakes and swerved when she saw Kathawalla. Frencher's car was going about 67 mph at the time of the collision, according to court documents.

Online court records do not name an attorney to speak for Frencher.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605132066254.png" alt="Frencher photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Frencher photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — A woman accused of a hit-and-run that killed a woman in downtown Kansas City was intoxicated and speeding when she hit the victim, according to court records.Shabazz Frencher, 22, was charged Tuesday with driving while intoxicated resulting in death or first degree involuntary manslaughter. She was also charged with leaving the scene of an accident and driving with a suspended license, the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office said.Prosecutors say Frencher hit 27-year-old Zahara Kathawalla in downtown Kansas City about 2:30 a.m. June 21 and did not stop. She turned herself in that evening.Frencher told police she drank a bottle of liquor and five shots before getting into a car and driving.Frencher began racing another car, sometimes reaching 96 mph in a 35 mph zone, on the downtown street, according to court documents. She told police she slammed on the brakes and swerved when she saw Kathawalla. Frencher's car was going about 67 mph at the time of the collision, according to court documents.Prosecutors asked for a $50,000 bond.Online court records do not name an attorney to speak for Frencher.

Kansas City woman charged in fatal hit-and-run

By NOAH TABORDA <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/11/10/panels-on-criminal-justice-reform-pretrial-justice-hone-in-on-diversion-tactics/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Members of the 
Kansas Criminal Justice Reform Commission have finalized recommendations
 on mental health and substance abuse reform to reduce prison 
population, recidivism and corrections costs in the state.

The commission approved 
recommendations to benefit state diversion programs and provide 
increased funding and access to local mental health facilities. Members 
also discussed recommending a potential reduction in penalties for 
possession of hard drugs.

One recommendation 
approved by the commission was to endorse a 2019 bill expanding the 
availability and funding of diversion options throughout Kansas. That 
bill died in a Senate committee, largely because of COVID-19, but passed
 unanimously through the House.

Sedgwick County district 
attorney Marc Bennett, chairman of the commission, said the 
recommendation would go hand in hand with a <a href="https://sentencing.ks.gov/sb-123">2003 Senate bill </a>providing substance abuse treatment for offenders convicted of drug possession.

“It’s going to <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2019_20/committees/ctte_h_corr_juv_jus_1/documents/testimony/20200220_09.pdf">identify Senate Bill 123 money</a>
 for diverted defendants and also allowing, No. 2, the ability for 
prosecutors and county attorneys to sign memorandums of understanding, 
or MOUs, with their respective probation departments, whether that’s 
court services or community corrections, for supervision of the 
divertees,” Bennett said.

State legislators and 
community stakeholders on the commission moved Monday to send around 20 
recommendations to state lawmakers for consideration and adoption. The 
commission also will request an additional year to discuss issues they 
were unable to tackle in 2020.

Currently, prosecutor’s 
offices must undergo supervision of someone on criminal justice 
diversion, and most offices lack the staff necessary, Bennett said. Some
 jurisdictions in Kansas are already doing this, but the bill would give
 authority to the practice statewide.

Rep. Stephen Owens, a Hesston Republican who supported the recommendation, said he was hoping to fast-track the bill.

“This is the same 
legislation that was suggested by three different subcommittees in our 
interim committee report,” Owens said. “I already have it on my list to 
have our reviser reintroduce, so, hopefully, we can get a good 
jump-start on that. This is one of our legislative priorities.”

Other approved 
recommendations include a package allowing the establishment of 
additional specialty courts in Kansas — an idea backed by the chief of 
the Kansas Supreme Court — and additional funding and added beds for 
certain substance abuse facilities.

The latter of those recommendations was mostly covered in the budget but was removed due to COVID-19 shortfalls, Owen said.

One recommendation 
suggested the punishment for all personal use drug possession charges be
 reduced from a felony to a misdemeanor was tabled for further 
discussion if the commission is granted another year.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605026020078.png" alt="Members of the Kansas Criminal Justice Reform Commission focused on recommendations pertaining to diversion from jail for those with mental health or substance abuse issues. A report last week from the Kansas Supreme Court's Pretrial Justice Task Force also considered similar topics. (Noah Taborda/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Members of the Kansas Criminal Justice Reform Commission focused on recommendations pertaining to diversion from jail for those with mental health or substance abuse issues. A report last week from the Kansas Supreme Court's Pretrial Justice Task Force also considered similar topics. (Noah Taborda/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By NOAH TABORDA <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/11/10/panels-on-criminal-justice-reform-pretrial-justice-hone-in-on-diversion-tactics/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Members of the 
Kansas Criminal Justice Reform Commission have finalized recommendations
 on mental health and substance abuse reform to reduce prison 
population, recidivism and corrections costs in the state.The commission approved 
recommendations to benefit state diversion programs and provide 
increased funding and access to local mental health facilities. Members 
also discussed recommending a potential reduction in penalties for 
possession of hard drugs.One recommendation 
approved by the commission was to endorse a 2019 bill expanding the 
availability and funding of diversion options throughout Kansas. That 
bill died in a Senate committee, largely because of COVID-19, but passed
 unanimously through the House.Sedgwick County district 
attorney Marc Bennett, chairman of the commission, said the 
recommendation would go hand in hand with a <a href="https://sentencing.ks.gov/sb-123">2003 Senate bill </a>providing substance abuse treatment for offenders convicted of drug possession.“It’s going to <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2019_20/committees/ctte_h_corr_juv_jus_1/documents/testimony/20200220_09.pdf">identify Senate Bill 123 money</a>
 for diverted defendants and also allowing, No. 2, the ability for 
prosecutors and county attorneys to sign memorandums of understanding, 
or MOUs, with their respective probation departments, whether that’s 
court services or community corrections, for supervision of the 
divertees,” Bennett said.State legislators and 
community stakeholders on the commission moved Monday to send around 20 
recommendations to state lawmakers for consideration and adoption. The 
commission also will request an additional year to discuss issues they 
were unable to tackle in 2020.Currently, prosecutor’s 
offices must undergo supervision of someone on criminal justice 
diversion, and most offices lack the staff necessary, Bennett said. Some
 jurisdictions in Kansas are already doing this, but the bill would give
 authority to the practice statewide.Rep. Stephen Owens, a Hesston Republican who supported the recommendation, said he was hoping to fast-track the bill.“This is the same 
legislation that was suggested by three different subcommittees in our 
interim committee report,” Owens said. “I already have it on my list to 
have our reviser reintroduce, so, hopefully, we can get a good 
jump-start on that. This is one of our legislative priorities.”Other approved 
recommendations include a package allowing the establishment of 
additional specialty courts in Kansas — an idea backed by the chief of 
the Kansas Supreme Court — and additional funding and added beds for 
certain substance abuse facilities.The latter of those recommendations was mostly covered in the budget but was removed due to COVID-19 shortfalls, Owen said.One recommendation 
suggested the punishment for all personal use drug possession charges be
 reduced from a felony to a misdemeanor was tabled for further 
discussion if the commission is granted another year.Several recommendations 
discussed during the meeting were echoed in the final report by the 
Kansas Supreme Court’s Pretrial Justice Task Force. The report, 
presented to the court Friday, culminates two years of research into 
pretrial detention practices in Kansas district courts.The 84-page report made 19
 recommendations ranging from basic education of courts and the public 
on liberty as a tenet of criminal justice to amendments to existing laws
 on pretrial supervision.In July 2017, the Kansas 
Legislature adopted the Crisis Intervention Act to allow law enforcement
 officers to take persons with a mental illness or substance abuse 
problem to a crisis intervention center rather than jail. To date, 
however, the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services has yet
 to adopt regulations and thus has not licensed those centers.The task force recommended
 KDADS act swiftly to issue regulations and license crisis centers to 
aid in diverting those needing treatment from detention centers.Another recommendation to 
make state funds for drug treatment available for people in diversion 
programs for drug-related offense directly echoed the Criminal Justice 
Reform Commission’s recommendations.Karen Arnold-Burger, chief
 judge of the Kansas Court of Appeals, chairwoman of the task force, 
said significant consideration was put toward the issue of monetary bond
 in these recommendations. According to Arnold-Burger, at any given 
moment, more than half of people in Kansas jails are awaiting trial and 
unable to post the monetary bond required for their release.“Money bond is one tool 
judges use to reduce risk of flight or to ensure the accused appears in 
court, but other options could be considered,” Arnold-Burger said. “One 
is pretrial supervision with no-contact conditions, or drug and alcohol 
testing, which are designed to protect individual and public safety and 
to encourage the defendant to appear in court as scheduled.”Chief Justice Marla Luckert received the report and acknowledged the considerable effort put into the recommendations.“Best practices for 
pretrial release and alternatives to detention continue to be a point of
 state and national discussion, so I’m glad we initiated this 
comprehensive review when we did,” Luckert said. “This report provides a
 good foundation for policy discussions as we consider the best ways to 
manage pretrial concerns in Kansas courts.”